Bomb squad sapper (file).
Bomb squad sapper (file).Israel news photo: Flash 90

An IDF force seized two pipe bombs Thursday evening from two Arab terrorists who were trying to pass through the Hawara checkpoint south of Shechem. A bomb squad detonated the bombs – which are made by packing explosives into metal pipes – and the two suspects were taken to interrogation.

IDF soldiers found a knife with a 12 cm. long blade in the possession of an Arab who tried to pass through the Tapuach checkpoint last night. The man was taken for interrogation and the knife was confiscated.

The IDF arrested 12 wanted men in Judea and Samaria overnight. Four were seized in the vicinity of Shechem, six near Ramallah and two in the Bethlehem area. 

In a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), IAF aircraft struck two terrorist targets in northern Gaza Thursday evening. Precise hits on target were identified. All aircraft returned safely to base.

The strike was a retaliation for terrorist rocket fire Wednesday on residents of the Eshkol local authority. Gaza terrorists fired two Kassam-type rockets at the western Negev. One fell near a kibbutz and the other fell short and exploded within Gaza. The “Color Red” siren was sounded in several communities.

Earlier, four terrorists were reportedly hurt in pre-dawn strikes on Gaza by the IAF.